Physical degradation and service life prediction examined in May Virtual Conferences.

Two new Virtual Learning Conferences to be offered by FSCT will provide new insights on the weathering factors that cause coatings failure and on the ability of industry to predict these failures. "Physical Degradation of Coatings Due to Weathering," presented by Brian Hinderliter, of North Dakota State University, will be held on May 15, 2008. On May 22, Allen Zielnik, of Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC, will discuss "Service Life Prediction--Concepts and Methodologies."

Physical Degradation of Coatings Due to Weathering

May 15, 2008; 1:00-2:00 pm (ET)

This program provides an in-depth look at the major factors in weathering that cause physical degradation of coatings. The impact of weathering on gloss and yellowing, cracking and chalking, and adhesion is also summarized.

Learning Objectives

* Understand the sensitivity of the degradation process to light source and attenuation within a coating

* Appreciate how water transport and concentration varies in environmental exposure and how the water concentration profile compares to accelerated weathering chambers

* Understand how synergies between various degradation mechanisms can impact end use properties

Who Should Attend

This Virtual Learning Conference is primarily designed for personnel who desire to understand the physical changes in polymer-based coatings due to service environment. Coatings professionals who are interested in comparing and understanding aspects of the relative damage to coatings seen in accelerated weathering protocols and outdoor exposure will also benefit.

Course Instructor

Brian Hinderliter is a research assistant professor at North Dakota State University, where he focuses on materials science and research in the photodegradation of coatings, and simulation of electrochemical, optical, and mechanical properties. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia and has M.S. Degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Medical Physics.

Service Life Prediction--Concepts and Methodologies

May 22, 2008; 1:00-2:00 pm (ET)

This course examines the key factors of the service environment and how they may be accelerated for service life prediction study purposes. Additionally, several key concepts of testing methodologies such as forced degradation and designed experiments are explained. General principals and pitfalls in service life prediction methodology will also be provided. Mathematical modeling is covered only in general concepts, such as Weibull analysis.

Learning Objectives

* Environmental factors affecting durability

* Primary weathering exposure and durability test techniques

* Limits and pitfalls of accelerated durability testing

* Different testing approaches such as environmental simulation and forced degradation

* Several key concepts in service life prediction techniques

Course Instructor

Allen Zielnik has 31 years in physiochemical analysis, with 14 years experience in the weatherability and performance testing of coatings and polymers. He is currently Atlas' Senior Consultant--Weathering Science, and is author of the durability column for the Journal of Architectural Coatings.

Registration

Register online for the VLC programs at www.coatingstech.org. Only one fee is charged per location. Discounted registration (per course) of $99 for FSCT members and $199 for nonmembers is available for early registrants. Check the website for deadlines and rates.

For additional details, contact FSCT at 610.940.0777 or email: [e-mail].